Miley Cyrus

Miley Cyrus was born Destiny Hope Cyrus on November 23, 1992 to country singer Billy Ray Cyrus and wife Tish Cyrus. She earned her nickname, which she later made her legal name, after everyone would call her “Smiley.” The Cyrus family includes younger siblings Braison and Noah, older siblings Brandi and Trace, whom Billy Ray adopted from Tish’ previous relationship, along with a half-brother, Christopher, who was born to Billy Ray’s ex the same year as Cyrus. Country icon Dolly Parton is Cyrus’ godmother.

Partially inspired by her father, Cyrus developed an interest in singing and acting early on. Following the debut of “Hannah Montana” in 2006, in which Cyrus played a pop star living a double life, she became one of the Disney Channel’s biggest successes. In 2008, Cyrus scored her first Billboard Top 10 hit with the song “See You Again.” She then slowly began experimenting with a more racy image, as seen on a controversial “Vanity Fair” cover with her father, and in her 2009 Teen Choice Awards performance, during which she pole danced.

Following others hits like “7 Things,” “The Climb,” and “Party in the USA,” Cyrus debuted a new sound with her third studio album, “Can’t Be Tamed,” which was released in 2010, the same year she starred in “The Last Song.” The star continued to cause controversy after a leaked video showed her getting high. By the end of 2011, Cyrus was completely separated from the Disney brand.

No longer with the Mouse House-approved Hollywood Records, Cyrus signed with RCA and released her “Bangerz” album in 2013, with the hits “We Can’t Stop” and “Wrecking Ball.” At the MTV VMAs that year, she and Robin Thicke caused a huge firestorm with a sexually-suggestive performance, and Cyrus continued to push boundaries with nude photo shoots, outlandish concerts, and an outspoken love for marijuana.

Cyrus, however, spent part of 2014 sidelined with serious health woes. She is expected to work on new music in 2015, which she rung in with new boyfriend Patrick Schwarzenegger. He is Cyrus’ first relationship since she and “Last Song” co-star Liam Hemsworth ended their engagement in 2013.